Rookie A.J. Edds would be the favorite to replace Crowder on passing downs. We're not even certain Crowder will keep his starting job over Tim Dobbins, so Darlington isn't exactly going out on a limb. Crowder, coming off a career-worst year and Lisfranc surgery, has never been an effective cover 'backer.

I remember Edds in college and I was happy about this pick. I could definitely see this happening. I would love it if Edds or one of our other later round draft pick linebackers can emerge into a starter.

Crowder is solid but not spectacular and he is not very good against the pass. As an inside ILB he should have a lot of interceptions and turnovers than he has.

Fri Jun 04, 2010 5:33 am

Big Dave

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Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2010 9:41 amPosts: 10227Location: Raleigh, NC

Re: Darlington sees rookie Edds replacing Crowder passing downs

I remember Saban using Crowder instead of Zach in coverage and I felt it was a step backwards. Zach wasn't a great cover linebacker, but he was clearly better than Crowder.

One thing you will notice if you look at the play by play stats is that very few ILB's seem to be really good in coverage.

Fri Jun 04, 2010 9:13 am

phinphan-n-buffalo

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Joined: Fri Apr 09, 2010 7:36 pmPosts: 494Location: Ruff Buff NY

Re: Darlington sees rookie Edds replacing Crowder passing downs

LikeUntoGod wrote:

One thing you will notice if you look at the play by play stats is that very few ILB's seem to be really good in coverage.

I agree, just think the good ones know how to make the plays in coverage.

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Fri Jun 04, 2010 11:39 am

Iowafin

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Re: Darlington sees rookie Edds replacing Crowder passing downs

Well of course he does...Jeff Ireland said directly after drafting him that Edds would play on passing situations. Whether that holds much merit is to be seen, but that's not much of news.

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Fri Jun 04, 2010 5:40 pm

phinsfansc

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Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2010 11:14 pmPosts: 4538Location: Columbia, SC

Re: Darlington sees rookie Edds replacing Crowder passing downs

LikeUntoGod wrote:

One thing you will notice if you look at the play by play stats is that very few ILB's seem to be really good in coverage.

That's what makes Karlos Dansby such a rare commodity at ILB. Not only is he good as a blitzer/pass rusher with 25.5 career sacks, but he also has 10 interceptions.

Dansby and Edds in on 3rd down would give Miami a great deal of flexibility as well as 2 ILB that are good in coverage. This is of course if Edds can transfer his ability to cover in college to the pros, but what I saw of him on clips, he moves very well and naturally in pass coverage and has very good ball skills.

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Fri Jun 04, 2010 7:38 pm

LikeUntoGod

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Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 2:38 amPosts: 191

Re: Darlington sees rookie Edds replacing Crowder passing downs

Just looking at Dansby in the play offs last year seems to show that he is a huge pick up for us. I think the NFL is a game of inches, the players who make a difference makes those 2 extra inches on a play when needed.

Fri Jun 04, 2010 9:25 pm

MTFan

Phinfever Veteran

Joined: Sat Jan 16, 2010 3:38 pmPosts: 546

Re: Darlington sees rookie Edds replacing Crowder passing downs

LikeUntoGod wrote:

Just looking at Dansby in the play offs last year seems to show that he is a huge pick up for us. I think the NFL is a game of inches, the players who make a difference makes those 2 extra inches on a play when needed.

ok Pacino

Sat Jun 05, 2010 12:34 pm

finfan808

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Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2010 10:08 amPosts: 215

Re: Darlington sees rookie Edds replacing Crowder passing downs

A lot has been said about Edds and his coverage skills. But, I think that a lot of people actually overlook the fact that this kid can actually play all 4 downs. He has great instincts and a very good motor. I see a little Zach in him only the potential is much greater and that is saying a lot.

Sat Jun 05, 2010 2:38 pm

Iowafin

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Joined: Thu Jan 14, 2010 2:55 pmPosts: 5439

Re: Darlington sees rookie Edds replacing Crowder passing downs

finfan808 wrote:

I see a little Zach in him only the potential is much greater and that is saying a lot.

It's saying too much, actually.

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Sat Jun 05, 2010 4:01 pm

wkloiber13

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Joined: Sat Apr 17, 2010 5:59 pmPosts: 5117

Re: Darlington sees rookie Edds replacing Crowder passing downs

Dansby will be the difference maker in the middle of our defense this year if you ask me. If Crowder can step up and thrive having a good player like Dansby next to him thats great. If not, I hope Edds can develop and take Crowder's job. If Channing isn't the man then I hope this Edds guy can step up and be a three down player, not just someone we use on passing situations.